Jury finds 23-year-old guilty of murder in Norwich shooting

A jury in Norwich on Wednesday found 23-year-old Darnell X. Moore guilty in the Aug. 26, 2010, shooting death of Namdi Smart of Norwich.

Moore was convicted of shooting Smart, 31, in the head after an altercation on Lake Street in Norwich. The jury started deliberating Friday following a trial in Norwich Superior Court.

Moore faces up to 60 years in prison at his sentencing on March 3 before Judge Barbara Jongbloed. Before the trial, Moore rejected an offer to plead guilty and accept a 30-year prison sentence.

“I think it was (a) sensible verdict based on the totality of the evidence that came forward,” said prosecutor David J. Smith. “I think the jury did a good job sifting through the information that was relevant to the charge.”

Smith had rested the state’s case after calling on police, a medical examiner and six eyewitnesses. In his closing argument, Smith said the state had shown that Moore had the motive, opportunity and means to murder Smart. The shooting took place in front of a Lake Street apartment building where a group of people had gathered to drink and smoke drugs.

Witnesses had testified that Moore, known as “Boo-Boo,” and Smart, known as “Dee,” argued over a bottle of vodka and Smart ripped Moore’s shirt. They said Moore left after telling Smart, “I’ll be back,” and making a shooting gesture with his fingers.

Moore was represented by attorney Norman A. Pattis, who was not immediately available to comment.